17 regions around the world remain colonies, also known as “Non-Self-Governing-Territories”.

So where are there still colonies?

Well, to start, a colony, is typically a distant country or area, controlled and protected

by another country. However, there can be subtle legal distinctions between colonies,

and similarly controlled territories - like “commonwealths”, or “special administrative

regions”. Distinctions are based on levels of autonomy-from, or dependence-on “parent”

countries. For instance, because they are said to be more autonomous, the UN doesn’t

classify places like Puerto Rico and Macau as “colonies”. Though, they have a colonial

past.

Colonization has been practiced by all major nations for centuries. However, a bulk of

territory was acquired during a long period of expansion following the 15th century “Age

of Discovery”.  England was especially prolific, and their colonies could be found

on every continent. France also owned many territories, especially in Africa. Spain claimed

much of the Americas. And Portugal, Italy, and the Netherlands also had several colonies

between them. The United States acquired numerous Pacific Island nations later in the 1800s.

But after World War 2, the practice of colonization was brought into question, and human rights

became a larger issue. When the UN was formed in 1945, its purpose statement included a

commitment to respect “equal rights and self-determination of peoples”. At the time,

nearly a third of the world, or 750 million people were residents in colonies. And often,

they weren’t given adequate representation in “parent” countries’ governments.

According to the UN, the world’s remaining colonies are now presided over by the United

Kingdom, the United States, France, New Zealand, and a few other disputed powers. Currently,

the most populous colonies are: Western Sahara, with half a million people, and French Polynesia

and New Caledonia, both with about a quarter of a million people.  

Western Sahara, called the “Last African Colony”, was a Spanish territory until 1976.

But even after Spain relinquished the colony, it’s been occupied by their northern neighbor,

Morocco. Western Sahara has never been able to establish complete independence for itself.

French Polynesia and New Caledonia are both islands colonized by France during the late

19th century. They are located near Australia in the Pacific Ocean, and they are also called

“collectivities” of France.

Complete decolonization will probably be a long process, even as the United Nations continues

to petition for full sovereignty among all countries. A continued dialogue between colonial

territories is needed, and a strong commitment to appropriate representation of local populations.

One former colony has a very unique relationship with it’s native people… Australia. You

can watch that video next, by clicking the link in the description! Thanks for joining

us on TestTube News! We’ll see you next time.